Decision 2008 Hollywood

Political: First woman to serve on Hollywood's City Commission. Appointed in 1975, she is in her 32nd year of uninterrupted service as a commissioner.

Civic: Founding director, Broward chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews; Broward County Historical Commission; Broward County Historical Preservation Board; How long have you lived in South Florida? All my life

How do you differ from your opponents? I was born and raised in Broward County (six generations of my family have lived in Broward and four were born here), unlike past candidates who came to town, ran for office, lost and then left town. My whole life has been an open book. What are your top priorities if re-elected? Charter review; review districting; construction of new beach fire station; contract negotiations with unions; addressing tax reform

Where in the city budget would you like to decrease and increase spending? I would need to meet with the city manager and his budget staff to review and see where cuts could be made. The budget is already bare bones. I would like to see a decrease in community redevelopment agency expenditures.

What should be done to increase public trust in government and voter turnout? I have always supported legislation addressing ethical issues and I will continue to do so. In my long commission tenure, I have never been involved with a personal ethics issue. Increasing voter turnout was used in selling districting to Hollywood voters in 2000. Nothing but friction among the districts was created. American voters should care enough to vote. Government should not and cannot do everything.

How do you differ from your opponents? My professional experience in public interest law, affordable housing and city government and my volunteer work as an advocate for the environment and Hollywood's neighborhoods uniquely qualify me for this position.

What are your top priorities if elected? Long-range planning for infrastructure upgrades; public safety; taxes; term limits; campaign finance reform; stronger lobbyist regulations; green building standards

Where in the city budget would you like to decrease and increase spending? To date, the city manager has implemented across-the-board percentage cuts for all city services, while increasing the budget for ArtsPark and media relations. Potential decreases: public relations, media relations, community relations. Increases, to the extent possible, would be cost-of-living increases for staff.

What should be done to increase public trust in government and voter turnout? The deck is stacked against the voter. Developers have monetary influence that ordinary voters will never have. That's because developers have a personal monetary gain from governmental decisions that ordinary voters don't have. This is why campaign finance reform, term limits and stronger ethics regulations are imperative.

How do differ from your opponents? As a 40-year resident, civic activist, community leader and business person, I feel I am the most qualified person to move our city forward. Unlike my opponents, I have a vision and a workable plan for Hollywood.

What are your top priorities if elected? Central Beach revitalization; crime and safety; downtown redevelopment; term limits